1 Kings 18:32

And with the stones he built an altar in the name of the LORD: and he made a trench about the altar, as great as would contain two measures of seed.

And with the stones {H68} he built {H1129} an altar {H4196} in the name {H8034} of the LORD {H3068}: and he made {H6213} a trench {H8585} about {H5439} the altar {H4196}, as great as would contain {H1004} two measures {H5429} of seed {H2233}.

With the stones he built an altar in the name of ADONAI. Then he dug a trench around the altar large enough for half a bushel of grain.

And with the stones, Elijah built an altar in the name of the LORD. Then he dug a trench around the altar large enough to hold two seahs of seed.

And with the stones he built an altar in the name of Jehovah; and he made a trench about the altar, as great as would contain two measures of seed.

Commentary

1 Kings 18:32 describes a pivotal moment in the dramatic confrontation between the prophet Elijah and the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel. This verse details Elijah's careful and deliberate preparation of the altar for the LORD, setting the stage for a powerful demonstration of God's supremacy.

Context

This verse is part of the grand challenge issued by Elijah to King Ahab and the prophets of Baal, intended to prove who the true God of Israel was (1 Kings 18:21). Following a devastating drought that had afflicted Israel for three and a half years (1 Kings 17:1), Elijah called the people to choose between the LORD and Baal. While the prophets of Baal failed to elicit a response from their god, Elijah meticulously rebuilt the altar of the LORD, which had likely fallen into disrepair or been torn down during the widespread Baal worship under Jezebel's influence. His actions here emphasize order, reverence, and a clear intention to remove any doubt about the divine nature of the upcoming miracle.

Key Themes

  • Restoration of True Worship: Elijah's act of building an altar "in the name of the LORD" signifies a powerful call to return to the worship of the one true God, contrasting sharply with the idolatry prevalent in Israel. This was not a new altar but a restoration, perhaps of an ancient one.
  • Deliberate Preparation: The careful construction, including the precise number of stones (1 Kings 18:31) and the digging of a substantial trench, highlights Elijah's methodical approach. This attention to detail underscores the certainty of God's intervention and eliminates any possibility of human deception.
  • Eliminating Doubt: The trench, designed to hold "two measures of seed," was a significant excavation. This detail, combined with the subsequent pouring of water into it (1 Kings 18:34), served to make the coming miracle unmistakably divine, leaving no room for accusations of trickery or natural phenomena.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "two measures of seed" refers to a considerable volume. The Hebrew word for "measure" here is se'ah (בְאָה), a dry measure equivalent to about 7.3 liters or roughly two gallons. Therefore, "two measures" would be about 14.6 liters or four gallons, indicating a large trench designed to hold a substantial amount of liquid. This detail reinforces the magnitude of the miracle that was about to occur, as the trench would be filled with water, making the combustion of the sacrifice by fire even more astounding.

Practical Application

Elijah's actions in 1 Kings 18:32 teach us about the importance of intentional and sincere worship. Just as Elijah meticulously prepared the altar, believers are called to approach God with reverence and purpose, seeking to honor His name above all others. This verse also reminds us that when God acts, He often does so in ways that leave no doubt about His power and sovereignty, calling us to a deeper faith and commitment, especially in times of spiritual compromise.

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Cross-References

  • Colossians 3:17

    And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, [do] all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.

  • Exodus 20:24

    An altar of earth thou shalt make unto me, and shalt sacrifice thereon thy burnt offerings, and thy peace offerings, thy sheep, and thine oxen: in all places where I record my name I will come unto thee, and I will bless thee.

  • Exodus 20:25

    And if thou wilt make me an altar of stone, thou shalt not build it of hewn stone: for if thou lift up thy tool upon it, thou hast polluted it.

  • Judges 6:26

    And build an altar unto the LORD thy God upon the top of this rock, in the ordered place, and take the second bullock, and offer a burnt sacrifice with the wood of the grove which thou shalt cut down.

  • 1 Corinthians 10:31

    Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.

  • 1 Samuel 7:9

    And Samuel took a sucking lamb, and offered [it for] a burnt offering wholly unto the LORD: and Samuel cried unto the LORD for Israel; and the LORD heard him.

  • Judges 21:4

    And it came to pass on the morrow, that the people rose early, and built there an altar, and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings.
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